Let the return of the cold bring out the humanitarian in
you. Join others to help others; the food just happens to be promising, too.

Here are a few ideas:

Turn your pasta craving into a donation to Providence House,
the local group that is on a mission to end child abuse and neglect, and gives
a safe haven to children. Proceeds from any purchase at Ohio City Pasta (216-696-3388) at West Side Market on Wednesday, Feb.
26 will go to the group – a big effort. The Market is open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wednesday at 1979 W. 25th St., Cleveland and the stand is among
those closest to that street.

Join the celebration at Saturday's second annual Kurentovanje
(koo-rahn-toh-VAHN-yay) or winter carnival and help revitalize the old
St. Clair and Superior neighborhood, a longstanding center of Slovenian
settlement. If you've got an hour to play any time between 11 a.m. and
midnight, there's something to do, including a craft show (with Slovenian krofe
or doughnuts), parade, an eating and drinking afternoon party and a polka
dinner. Go online for the full schedule.

Head out to Lakewood on Sunday for the Gospel Brunch to
benefit North Coast Health, a group dedicated to medical
care for those who can't afford it. Singing will be courtesy of The Tralalas
and Friends at Vosh Lakewood, 1414 Riverside Drive. Seatings are 11 a.m. and 1
p.m. and tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children 12 and under. Tickets,
only sold in advance, are online or by phone at 216-228-7878, ext. 114.

Help out the non-profit Shore Cultural Centre in Euclid by dining out Tuesdays in March (4-9 p.m. at Beach Club Bistro, 21939
Lake Shore Blvd. (216-731-7499). Twenty percent of your dine-in
bill will go to the educational and community center when you present a coupon
you can get online.

Join 20 chefs who really know how to cook up a storm for Monday's
Dinner in the Dark, a benefit for the Alzheimer's Association and the Haviland
family. The short list includes tasting stations filled by principals from
Lola, Lolita, SOW Foods, Fire Food and Drink, Premier Produce, AMP 150, Spice
Kitchen & Bar and Lilly Handmade Chocolates. Tickets are $70, with proceeds
going to the alzheimer's group. The silent auction will raise money for the family of Lucky's Café
chef Heather Haviland, as they cope with her mother's illness. Organizer Ky-wai
Wong, chef and educator at Cuyahoga Community College, said all chefs
participating are friends of Heather, and agreed to help immediately and
enthusiastically . Be there 6:30 p.m. at Pura Vida, 180 Euclid Ave.,
Cleveland, for food, music and fundraising.